Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, although the Cherries are doing ‘everything they can’ to prevent the North London club from securing the player, according to journalist Peter O’Rourke.

Kroupi scored 13 goals in his debut campaign in the Premier League after completing a switch from Lorient to the south coast of England last summer. This impressive return has sparked interest from some of the country’s top clubs, including Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Lilywhites have emerged as the frontrunners in the chase for the young Frenchman, although Bournemouth’s reported £85 million valuation could ultimately prevent the deal from materialising.

The Europa League side are intent on keeping hold of their prized possession ahead of what is set to be a historic season in their club’s history.

Bournemouth keen to deter Tottenham from Junior Kroupi move

Spurs have emerged from a dire season firing on all cylinders in the transfer market. Sandro Tonali has joined in a mammoth £100million move, while Mateus Fernandes has signed for the North Londoners for £85million.

Roberto De Zerbi has also strengthened his backline significantly, adding Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to his ranks.

Now, attention has turned to bolstering the forward line. Cody Gakpo and Savinho are targets for De Zerbi, while they also want a new centre-forward to compete with and eventually succeed the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Kroupi is understood to be the primary target, but Bournemouth are looking to make things difficult for Spurs in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Journalist O’Rourke told Football Insider that the Cherries are doing ‘everything they can’ to keep hold of the number nine.

“Kroupi is somebody that they’re [Spurs] definitely interested in, whether they can pull it off or not, it’s going to be very difficult, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“Bournemouth are doing everything they can to keep hold of the player. They’ve put a huge price tag on his head as well.”

Tottenham need to be careful in Junior Kroupi pursuit

via Reuters

Multiple reports suggest that £85million is the sum Spurs will have to stump up to land Kroupi.

While this would be a reasonable fee in the context of this market for the most promising young striker available, Tottenham need to be careful in their pursuit of the former Lorient man.

By all accounts, Bournemouth are desperate not to lose the youngster in this window. This desperation could ultimately be reflected in the asking price, which could easily rise above the £85million mark in reality.

At somewhere between £90million and £100million, this move becomes a huge risk for Spurs. While Kroupi has shown glimpses of brilliance, there is no guarantee that he will develop into a superstar striker.

This potential fee reflects a nailed-on generational striker — something Kroupi simply cannot be considered as, just yet.

Newcastle United hold an interest in versatile defender Neco Williams, although the full-back is currently locked in contract talks with Nottingham Forest, according to BBC Sport.

Williams impressed last season for the East Midlanders, scoring twice and registering four assists across all competitions. The Nottingham-based club are eager to reward this form by penning the Welshman down to a new lucrative long-term contract.

While Forest are said to be confident that he’ll agree to this new deal, interest from elsewhere could sway the player.

Newcastle, as well as Manchester United, are said to be monitoring Williams’ situation, with a view to making a move for him at some point this summer.

Newcastle considering making a move for Neco Williams

Since opting to leave Liverpool in 2022, Williams has established himself as a dependable Premier League full-back, capable of operating on both sides.

Thus, it’s no surprise that clubs with recent Champions League pedigree are looking to prize the 25-year-old away from the City Ground. Newcastle are among the mooted suitors, with BBC Sport reporting that the Magpies and Michael Carrick’s United are considering an attempt to hijack the player’s contract talks with Forest.

Forest hold leverage in the saga, as Williams still has three years left on his current deal. However, their desire to extend his contract and offer him significantly improved terms does suggest that they may be fearful of interest from elsewhere.

Newcastle are flush with cash after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for astronomical fees, and should therefore be able to better any salary package Forest present to Williams.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee Forest would demand to even contemplate selling one of their most accomplished players, although it’s not likely to be minimal.

Eddie Howe is a huge admirer of Williams, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him push the Tyneside board to sign the player, regardless of the prospective fee.

Newcastle could be in desperate need of full-backs this summer

With Tonali out and Bruno Guimaraes linked with Arsenal, a midfield rebuild may be at the forefront of Newcastle’s transfer activity this summer.

However, it’s also possible they are forced to renovate in the full-back areas, hence the links to Williams. Lewis Hall is a target for Manchester United, while Tino Livramento has been mooted as a target for Arsenal.

Even if the pair of Chelsea academy graduates remain at St. James’ Park, the loss of Kieran Trippier means at least one new full-back is required.

Williams would be the perfect candidate, as he can play on both sides, and wouldn’t oust either Livramento or Hall if both stay, rather provide them with healthy competition.

The US National Weather Service has issued a fresh warning ahead of England’s quarter-final against Norway in the World Cup, with the possibility of another match delay now emerging. As things stand, the game is scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST, but the Three Lions have already become accustomed to last-minute disruptions following their dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the last round.

Last week, England had to deal with rumours that their Round of 16 clash would be brought forward by six hours, leaving both the FA and their opponents frustrated after being “left in the dark”. In the end, FIFA opted against changing the kick-off time but was forced to delay proceedings by an hour as thunderstorms swept through Mexico City.

Now, as the quarter-final approaches, heat, humidity and a high chance of storms in Miami have cast doubt over whether Thomas Tuchel’s side can expect a plain-sailing encounter against Erling Haaland and Co. A fresh weather advisory has been issued, and the prospect of a suspension or delay cannot be completely ruled out.

New Weather Advisory Issued in Miami Hours Before England vs Norway

Credit: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

As per the BBC, while air temperatures are likely to sit about 33C (91F), once you add in the humidity, it will feel like about 41C (106F), which lends itself to a US phenomenon called ‘Swamp Ass’, as previously warned about by locals on Friday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area on Saturday which warns that high temperatures and humidity may cause heat-related illnesses.

It is advising people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and stay out of the sun. Alongside the high temperatures, there is a risk of thunderstorms, especially near the start of the match, and a possibility of showers. Otherwise, sunny spells are expected. In addition to how hot it will feel during the game, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) will also sit around 29C to 32C.

REUTERS/Paul Childs

The WGBT is an index which combines air temperature, humidity and surface temperature readings and is used by global sporting bodies such as Fifa to help keep players safe. In its guidelines for playing in heat, players’ union Fifpro says a WBGT above 28C should lead to the “delay or postponement of matches” until conditions are safer. Fifa’s Emergency Care Manual has a higher reading of 32C, which the game would be within.

Probability of the Match being Delayed

Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

According to several reports, there is around a 90% chance that the match will kick off as scheduled, with only light rain expected around kick-off at Hard Rock Stadium. The next most likely scenario, as was the case against Mexico, is a delay of between 30 and 75 minutes. Meanwhile, the probability of a delay lasting between one and two hours is currently estimated at 3%, while the chances of a delay exceeding two hours stand at just 1%.

Those projections are based on forecasts from AccuWeather, which suggest thunderstorms are unlikely to become a significant threat until shortly after 7pm local time, when there is a 51% chance of rain. That means the match is unlikely to be affected if it is settled within 90 minutes. However, should it go to extra time and penalties, the risk of disruption increases as play would extend beyond 7pm local time, with the probability of a delay rising to around 25%.

The increased risk stems from US weather protocols for sporting events during thunderstorms and lightning activity. A match must be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Players and staff are required to leave the pitch and return to the changing rooms, while supporters are instructed to seek shelter inside the venue. Play can only resume once there has been a continuous 30-minute period without any lightning strikes being recorded within the eight-mile radius.